Gary Leverett

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USA The Door Trail

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Badlands National Park has an Open Hike Policy, meaning that you are allowed to hike off-trail. As a visitor to the Badlands, you are free to explore social trails like Deer Haven, the Sage Creek Wilderness Area, or any other part of the park you can visit safely. Wildlife includes bison, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, prairie dog, rattlesnakes, and mountain lions. If you do only one thing in the park, drive the Badlands Loop Road. It’s most popular route in the park. Starting in the town of Wall, drive south on Highway 240 and stay on this road to pass numerous viewpoints, trailheads, and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

Photography Tips

The park is always photogenic but try to stay for sunset. This is of course true for many places but the landscape here is particularly good at sunset and the blue hour.

Travel Information

From the Pinnacles Entrance Station, drive 25 miles/40 km to the large parking area on the right. There is a public restroom at the parking area.

Spot Type Outdoor

Crowd Factor Just a few people

Best Timing All timings are equally good

Sunrise & Sunset 05:06 - 20:26 | current local time: 03:55

Photo Themes Desert Landscape

Locations South Dakota Badlands National Park

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